What skills and qualities a pharmaceutical need?

Answer 1

Definitely memorization. There are so many drugs out there, even discontinued drugs. You have to know the brand name of the drugs, the generic name, the mode of action, what part of the body it effects, the chemical components, the type of class that it's in, and all the drug interactions between the drugs. And it's not so easy especially with all the drugs over the counter as well. Patients come to you for recommendation on certain symptoms and you are to provide your recommendation upon the best knowledge. Especially with dosaging for young children on over the counter medications that don't list exactly how much to give them because they are below the age can be pretty difficult too.

You have to be sufficient in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and definitely math, although the math is generally basic. Hospital pharmacies are more complex and deal with IV solutions. In those cases, you need to remember your chemistry formulas and more math. Having compassion for your patients always help. Patients are sick. They just want to come in to get their medications and go home. They don't want to wait for 1 hour, sometimes even 10 minutes. Being honest and explaining them in a nice, caring manner helps. If they don't want to wait, offer them assistance with calling in the prescription elsewhere so that the other pharmacy can get started on the prescription as they are on their way there. You must offer any type of service that you can provide to satisfy the patients.